Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (09:55): Labor has a strong track record when it comes to improving access to reproductive services across our state. On this side of the chamber we know that women’s bodies should never be up for debate. It is very simple: abortion care is health care. In government we have not wasted the opportunity to continue to strengthen women’s health care, and that is why I am proud to announce that we will be rolling out new ultrasound equipment to our 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs. Backed by a $480,000 investment, new, portable point-of-care ultrasound equipment will enable hub clinicians to confirm early pregnancy, meaning more Victorian women can access care sooner at no cost and closer to home. Our party’s policy on these matters is settled, and it is proudly pro choice. It was Labor who decriminalised abortion in Victoria, established safe access zones outside clinics and made sexual and reproductive health care more accessible across the public health system. This November, Victorians have a choice. Only a re-elected Carroll Labor government can be trusted to protect the dignity and rights of Victorian women.